City Council - Regular Meeting

As soon as he gave me his seat.

Sergeant at Arms, please call out June 9th, 2026. Meeting to order. The chaplain for today is Reverend Melvin D. Watkins Jr. of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Westwood. He's been invited by Councilman Ford Sr. Reverend Watkins, if you would please lead us in prayer.

Let us pray. Eternal God, we thank you and we praise you for your grace and your mercy. We thank you, Lord God, for the city of Memphis and for the opportunity to gather here today in your service to the people of our great city. We lift before you our mayor, the members of the council, the police chief, all safety personnel, city employees, their staff, and their families. Lord, we give you praise because this is a day that you have made. We are rejoicing and glad in it. And Father, I pray that you would grant these individuals wisdom, that they might make sound decisions, courage to do what is right, and humility to seek you. Lord, I pray for their mental health, their souls, and not just these who are leading and making decisions, but everyone in this room now. I speak life in the name of Jesus. Lord, we thank you that there's power in your blood, the blood of Jesus. And we believe that as we plead the blood over our city and over our homes, that in some way in your will, you grant us peace, deliverance, power, and prosperity. We bind every enemy in the name of Jesus. We rebuke the devil in all of his maneuvers, and we thank you that your name will be lifted high and that your glory will shine through the city of Memphis. We magnify you. We praise you. We invite your presence here into this room now. And we ask you to have your way. We pray this in Jesus' name. And every heart said amen. Amen.

Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

You may be seated.

Amen.

Councilman Ford Sr., you are recognized at this time. Thank you, Chairlady.

He's not a strange person to anyone.

Dr. Watkins, you've always been there for this city. That's why we wanted you to come and give us some prayer because we need prayer every day, all day, all night. And while you're dreaming, pray then also for this city. And I just want to thank you for coming today. We got a little token for you. Appreciate it. And you always keep up your good work. Yes, sir. And don't nobody know, this is Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church on Park Road.

Yes, yes.

Thank you so much. Appreciate you.

Thank you so much. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the roll.

Thank you. Council Member Canale. Carlisle. Cooper Sutton. Easter Thomas. Ford. Green. Logan. Smiley. Spinoza. Walker. Warren? White? Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington?

Madam Chair, you have a quorum. Thank you. Councilman Smiley, I believe you've read the minutes.

I hope so. I've reviewed the many minutes and I find them in order and I move their adoption. I can't do it.

It's been moved by Councilman Smiley. It's been second by Councilwoman Dr. Easter Thomas. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote. Councilmembers, please cast your vote.

Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Welcome to the June 9, 2026 regular meeting of the Memphis City Council. Meetings of the council shall be conducted in an orderly manner to ensure that the public has the full opportunity to be heard and the deliberate process of the council is retained at all times. Our council staff has meeting agendas available up front, as well as comment request cards for members of the public wishing to be heard on a specific item. All of those wishing to speak on an item must turn in the comment card to staff before the item is called. If you are not here to speak on a specific item, you can note your request to give general comments at the end of the meeting. As chair, I will only recognize citizens that properly registered to speak by submitting a completed comment request card to council staff. Items that will be held are items number 15 and item number 17, which are both relative to the budget. Both items will be held, will be heard on June 23rd. We will now move to our presentations. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number one.

Thank you. Item number one is a resolution honoring Juneteenth in recognition of its historical significance and enduring impact. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Easter Thomas.

Councilwoman Dr. Easter Thomas, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Chair. Colleagues in the City of Memphis and everyone who is here with us, just wanting to take this time on June 9th We typically are at council around the time of the traditional Juneteenth holiday. But just want to take this time on this first meeting of June to just commemorate Juneteenth as the Memphis City Council. You will see that a lot of us have on our red, green, and black. As Councilwoman Walker told me, we will do it again. on the next council meeting as well. I'm happy that the city of Memphis officially honored Juneteenth as a holiday two years ago, making it a paid holiday for city of Memphis employees and ensuring that we observe and nod to freedom in this country. So I just want to read that into the record and thank you chair for letting us recognize Juneteenth on today.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller. If you will please approve item number one by affirmation.

Thank you very much.

Madam Comptroller, please call the consent agenda items, which are items number two, three, four, five, and six, and same night minutes on items four and five.

Thank you. Item number two is up for second reading. Ordinance number 5972 is sponsored by the Downtown Memphis Commission, DMC, and Central City Revenue Finance Corporation, CCRFC. Item number three is also up for second reading. This ordinance is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development. The case number is SNC 26-02, ordinance number 5973. Our engineering items, beginning with item number four, is a resolution approving The final plat for amendment to Commons a dexter late out parcel and accepting bond as security. There is a request for same night minutes. The contract number is CR 5497. Item number five is a resolution approving the engineering plans for Sandbrook Street, Springbrook Avenue realignment and accepting bond as security. There is a request for same night minutes. The contract number is CR-5498. Item number six, a general item, a resolution approving. an honorary street name change on Homer Road between Given Avenue and Ray Avenue for Jerry Lawler. District 5, Super District 9, this resolution is sponsored by Councilman Warren. Madam Chair, that concludes our consent agenda items.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller. Councilman Smiley, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee recommended approval. That's so moved.

All right, it has been properly moved by Councilman Smiley. And it's been second by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Cooper Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, will you please call the fiscal consent agenda item number seven with same night minutes.

Thank you. Item number seven on our fiscal consent agenda is a resolution accepting additional grant funds of $8,857 from Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging for Fraser Raleigh Center. This resolution is sponsored by the administration and there is a request for same night minutes. And that concludes our fiscal consent agenda item.

Councilman Ford Canale, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met, recommended approval, and I so move.

It has been moved by Councilman Ford Canale, second by Councilman Spinoza, with there being no committee people to speak. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin, Washington, yes.

that item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the MLGW fiscal consent agenda items eight through 14.

Thank you, it should appear on the board momentarily. We'll start with item number eight, resolution awarding contract number, one moment please. Resolution awarding contract number 12627, outage map to Data Capable Inc. in the funded amount of $501,910. Item number nine is a resolution approving the increase and renewal to contract number 12267, Micro Focus License Renewal with Thomas Consultants, Inc. to increase and renew the current contract in the funded amount of $507,523.17. Item number 10. is a resolution awarding purchase orders for three quarter ton pickup trucks to Landers Ford Inc. and Wilson County Motors LLC in the amount of $576,855.04. Item number 11 is a resolution awarding a purchase order for light duty four-wheel drive pickup trucks to Landers Ford Inc. in the amount of $601,833.24. Item number 12 is a resolution awarding a purchase order for a horizontal directional drilling machine with mixing system and trailer to Vermeer Mid-South Inc. in the amount of $503,607.78. Item number 13 is a resolution approving the scope expansion, increase, and extension to contract number 10765, private label service agreement with Utility Consumer Analytics Inc. to expand the scope, increase, and extend the current contract in the funded amount of $1,481,554.56. Item number 14 is a resolution approving the ratification, extension, and increase to contract number 12043, property and boiler insurance with FM Global to ratify, extend, and increase the current contract in the funded amount based on approved rates not to exceed $3,122,783. Madam Chair, that concludes our MLGW fiscal consent items.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller. Councilwoman Walker, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met with a favorable recommendation and I so move. It has been moved by Councilwoman Walker, second by Councilman Spinoza. There are no council members in the queue. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That takes us to our add-ons and same-night minute items, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23.

You don't have them yet?

Okay.

We can go to the regular...

Item number 19, a resolution to allocate, appropriate and transfer funds from PK 060. 19 Galloway Golf and PK24100 Parks Cover Line to PK25104 Memphis Parks Capital Reserve to PK04021 Audubon Park Splash Pad. District 5, Super District 9. This is sponsored by the administration and there's a request for same night minutes.

Hold on one second. Councilman Smiley, you're recognized.

Thank you. Members of the council, we are yet to receive the add-on items. We're currently in the process of printing them out. Do you all want to take a brief recess until we get them, or do you want to go on without having an opportunity to see what the add-ons are?

Can we have a regular agenda?

So have we done all the regular agenda items? Well, we need to go back to the regular agenda items because we don't have the add-ons yet.

Let's go back to the regular.

So, yes, disregard reading the ninth thing.

Okay. Madam Comptroller, until we get the add-ons, let's move to the regular agenda.

Thank you.

Madam Comptroller, we will start with item number 16 on the regular agenda.

Item number 16 is a resolution for fiscal year 2026 third quarter budget neutral adjustment, all council districts. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. This was held from May 26.

Councilwoman White, you're recognized.

The committee met and recommended approval and I so move.

Please move so electronically. It's been moved by Councilwoman Attorney White, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. There are no counsel in the queue. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote for item number 16. Thank you.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Easter-Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Spinoza, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes. Walker, yes. Please show Councilmember Walker is voting yes on item number 16. Smiley also. And Warren and White. The last one, please. Thank you, Dr. Warren.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 18.

is a resolution requesting Mayor Paul Young to issue an executive order establishing paid parental leave for eligible City of Memphis employees, all council districts. This resolution is sponsored by council members Easter Thomas, Green, Warren, and Cooper Sutton.

Councilwoman White, you are recognized at this time.

The committee met and recommended approval and I so move.

It has been moved by Councilwoman White, second by Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton. Councilwoman Easter-Thomas, you're in the queue, you are recognized.

Thank you, Chair. Chair and colleagues, I just want to, on behalf of Councilwoman Green and myself, to say we are so excited to have figured out a path of solution with the city administration in order to provide this much-needed benefit of paid parental leave for eligible City of Memphis employees being all full-time employees. And so just being able to do something of this magnitude in the city that hopes that does inspire other entities that we work with and support to also think about how do we support working families, working parents and working mothers so that we are able to all work towards the city of Memphis that we desire and deserve. So thank you colleagues for your support on this and the city administration for working alongside of us.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen. Let me get a motion. Oh, it's done, great, okay. Oh, that's right, thank you. Councilmembers, please cast your vote.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. We're now ready for our add-on items. Do you have them yet, Madam Comptroller? All right. If you will please begin with our add-on items for same night minutes, beginning with item number 19.

Item number 19 is a resolution to allocate appropriate and transfer funds from PK 06019, Galloway Golf, and PK 24100, Parks Cover Line, and PK 25104, Memphis Parks Capital Reserve to PK04021 Ottoman Park Splash Pad, District 5, Super District 9. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes.

Councilman Warren, you're recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee met, recommended approval, and I so move.

It has been moved by Councilman Warren, second by Councilman Spinoza. There are no counsel in the queue. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

For 19? Yes. Kennelly, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Spinoza, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, will you please call item number 20.

Item number 20 is a resolution approving the development of the links at Audubon Clubhouse, sponsored by the Tennessee Golf Foundation, District 5, Super District 9. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes.

Councilman Warren, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you again, Madam Chair. Committee met, recommended approval, and I so move.

It has been moved by Councilman Warren, second by Councilman Spinoza. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Canale, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Councilmember's voting on this item. Logan? Walker. And Warren.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, please call item number 21.

Item number 21. is a resolution authorizing a capital outlay inter fund loan, storm water sewer treatment and collection fund in an amount not to exceed $28 million. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes.

Councilwoman White, you're recognized.

This came down without recommendation. Do I need to move?

It has been moved by Councilwoman White It has been moved by Councilman Canale, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper, Sutton, abstained. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, abstained. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 23. 22, I'm sorry, 22.

Item number 22 is a resolution authorizing a capital outlay inter fund loan, debt service fund, sewer treatment and collection fund in a not to exceed amount of $9 million. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes.

Councilwoman White, you're recognized.

This came down without recommendation.

It has been moved by Councilman Canale, second by Councilman Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen.

Canale, yes. Cooper, Sutton, abstained. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, abstained. Please show Councilmember Logan as voting yes on this item. Chairwoman Swearengin, Washington, yes.

That item passes. That moves us to our... to item number 23.

Thank you. Item number 23 is a resolution approving downtown Memphis Commission's FY27 budget. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration and there is a request for same night minutes.

Councilwoman White, you're recognized at this time.

This came down with a favorable recommendation and I so move.

It has been moved by Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton. It's been moved by Councilwoman White. It's been seconded by Councilman Warren. There are no council in the queue to speak. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Canale, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. That moves us to our same minute items. Councilman Canale, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The same minute items are four, five, seven, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23. And with that, I move it to the floor.

Press it one more time. It has been moved by Ford Canale, second by Councilman Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen.

Kennelly, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin, Washington, yes. Spinoza, you want to vote yes. Show him his voting yes.

That item passes. That now moves us to our general public comments. Staff, do we have any public comment cards? All right, first on our list is Mr. Charlie Virgos. After Mr. Virgos, it will be Barry Ford Sr. Just state your name and you may proceed.

My name is Charlie Virgos. I'm calling. I'm here. Kind of express my sense of disappointment with the body's lack of sense of urgency in providing matter, the resources and leadership to restore the trolley. I work as a tour guide on Main Street, and for the past two years, I've been answering tourist questions about when the trolley is going to come back. There's a lot of awards in Memphis I can spin into a positive on my tours. This one is always a bummer to everybody who asks. There's a perception that the trolley is only for tourists. However, I've seen lots of seniors limping up Main Street all the way to catch the bus at the Hudson Terminal. I also get customers all the time who, you know, get off the Amtrak, who are carrying large bags, assuming if there's going to be something to help them get to their hotel. That's not the case. It seems like we've lost conventions because of lack of public transit access to the convention center. If you take a look at Main Street, since the trolley has been taken away, we've lost Comeback Coffee, Cafe Kia, Crazy Coop, Local, Bluefin, among other businesses. This is taking money out of my pocket, not having the trolley service. And I hope that you guys can provide Matt the adequate resources to provide regular trolley services and to be able to fix the trolley if it breaks again. Thank you.

Thank you so much for coming. Mr. Barry Ford, Sr. After that, Zaire Lamb. Forgive me if I'm mispronouncing. Thank you, Mr. Ford, for coming.

Madam Chair, thank you.

Sorry. Hello. My name is Zaire. It'll be Mr. Ford first, and then you're going to be next. Thank you so much.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

We just announced the name, so the next person will be ready.

My name is Barry Ford. I'm a member of Better Transit for a Better Memphis. Members of the City Council, investing in public transit is not a luxury. It's a lifeline. Every day in my hometown, the city of Memphis, tens of thousands of residents depend on buses to get to work. Thousands of residents also depend on getting to school, medical appointments, and the grocery store. For seniors, students, working families, disabled veterans, and people with disabilities, transit is not an option. It is freedom, dignity, and opportunity. When we underfund Memphis Area Transit Authority in transit and general public transportation, we are telling people that their time doesn't matter, their mobility doesn't matter, their lives doesn't matter. But when we invest in transit, truly invest, we shorten commutes, expand job access, reduce isolation for seniors, and give students a reliable path to their future. We strengthen our economy because businesses thrive when workers can actually get to work. And we build a city that is safer, cleaner, and more connected. Memphis cannot compete. Memphis cannot grow. Memphis cannot claim to care about equity if we leave our most transit-dependent neighbors stranded. A great city moves its people, all of its people, and it's time for Memphis to choose progress, choose access, and choose to invest boldly in Memphis Transit. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Mr. Ford. Thank you for coming down. Ms. Lamb, after Ms. Lamb, it'll be Kelsey Hughes.

My apologies, city council. Hello, my name is Zaire Lamb. I live in the ZIPCO area, 38104 Midtown Memphis. I just wanted to share a quick story. Me and my friend went to Huey's the other day. We walked from a friend's house, really great time. We wanted to go to another spot, Mary Boats, but we didn't want to walk back home because, you know, that seemed like a bit of a hassle. So we wanted to see if the bus was going to go and take us to another third spot to continue our night. And in luck, there was a bus coming, number two. It came in about four minutes. Something I do want to highlight, though, the bus sign was in poor shape. We could not see the number. We could not see the number of the bus or anything like that, but it was still on time. However, as the night ended, it was not available to take us back home. So we did have to walk 20 minutes back. I just wanted to share this small story because it highlights the importance for public transit for the community and the city of Memphis. Reliable transportation creates opportunity for third spots with ease, increasing small businesses, interaction, and general quality of life for all Memphians. The story is to highlight that... Public transit is reliable if reliable there is a need and people will use it. It's not just for work, it can't be just for school, but it can also be to visit a friend, to go to the park, and to go and continue those third spots to continue our nights. Please fund MATA to improve sustainability, to support our elders, to help our children, to help our Memphians with disability adversities, and to strengthen the 901. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Kelsey Hughes. After that, Marley Yengewis.

Good afternoon, Council. My name is Kelsey Hughes, District 5. In 2024, Smart Growth America released their Dangerous Diode Design Report, which is an urgent call to prioritize pedestrian safety nationwide. They ranked all metropolitan regions in the country. Memphis topped the list for being the most dangerous city in the country for pedestrians. Last night at a national conference, I met their executive director. They are releasing their next report tomorrow. Memphis is still the number one most deadly city in the country for pedestrians. The people behind these numbers are more than statistics. 13-year-old William McConnell was killed crossing East Parkway at Sam Cooper after skating with his friends. 16-year-old Olga Bassan was killed crossing Union Avenue after work. 48-year-old FedEx worker Cesar Bravo was killed making a delivery and crossing Ketchum Road back to his truck. These streets are all designed dangerously wide without pedestrians in mind. Their deaths are preventable. These people should still be here with us. We can do something if we're willing to make changes. William's parents are hosting an event this Saturday. I want to invite you and everyone in the audience who cares about pedestrian safety to Williams Walk. Williams Walk will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Society Skate Park. It is an honor of William, but it is really an honor of every single pedestrian who has lost their life in Memphis. There will be coffee and food trucks. Let's get organized so that we can make radical change for the better and move Memphis down from its number one spot. Thank you.

Thank you. Marlene Gawis and then Dorothy Connor.

Hello, thank you. I'm a volunteer with Better Transit for a Better Memphis, and we're here today because we did the math. According to rates by the American Public Transit Association, raising our city's transit investment by $20 million would create 828 new jobs. In addition to the many benefits of public transit discussed today, more access to jobs, education, healthcare, and community, these 828 new jobs would reduce Memphis' overall unemployment by 3%. Memphians could keep the 13 to 30% of their income in their pocket that's currently going toward maintaining a personal vehicle. And what about all the people who are trying to work but having no safe options to get there and home? Many large employers put all new staff on the night shift despite lack of transit. Investing in MATA means people can keep those jobs as well as continue to travel freely. According to data from Think Tennessee, MATA is running 65% fewer buses than it ran in the year 2000. Today, one in three Mid-South employers say transportation is a challenge for their employees, according to a survey by the MPO. Funding and committing to a zero fare model for the long term instead of renewing by the month or renewing by the quarter empowers individual riders and employers to plan for the future and continue to grow opportunities for Memphis. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Ms. Connor and then Allison Donald.

Currently, MATA is operating on the 23 scheduled routes that were offered during the lockdown of 2020. These routes do not properly service even half of our city. Before the lockdown, there were 57 scheduled routes which service the entire Memphis City area. Lack of services are reflected in unemployment, persons losing jobs, persons unable to get jobs for lack of transportation. Many citizens are walking and riding bicycles because there's no public transportation available in their area. There's a desperate need to improve public transit. We need to purchase more buses, hire more drivers, and more mechanics. And improved transit services would improve the entire city. Riders can reach their destination. Businesses and employees can keep, attain, and retain citizens will be able to purchase goods and services, public transportation, a good public transportation enables the citizens of Memphis to get jobs, attend school, maintain doctor's appointments, grocery shop and other shopping, able to pay bills, attend events and church services, and also our tourists can tour the city. We are in desperate need of public transportation. We are a tourist city, and we want more tourists to come and enjoy our city. So please invest in public transportation.

Thank you so much. Ms. Allison Donald and Susan Neely Barnes.

I do apologize on the short with any crew. My name is Alison Donald, here on behalf of Better Transit for a Better Memphis. Thousands of Memphis residents depend on public transit every day to reach jobs, healthcare, education, grocery stores, and other essential destinations. riders continue to experience service limitations, accessibility challenges, communication gaps, and a system that has not yet been fully restored. At Better Transit for a Better Memphis, we believe transit should work for everyone. That means bringing together fixed route service, paratransit, and accessibility into one conversation about how we can create reliable, accessible, and an accountable transit system for all riders. As budget decisions, excuse me, continue to shape the future of transit in Memphis, rider voices remain more important than ever. Today, I would also like to invite other members of this council to meet with Better Transit for a Better Memphis. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the current state of public transit hear your perspective and work together on solutions that strengthen mobility and opportunity throughout our city. Thank you for your time. And let's get on the bus for public trends.

Thank you. Ms. Susan Neely Barnes and then Jessica Miller.

Hi, my name is Susan Neely Barnes, and I'm coming to you also as a volunteer with Better Transit for a Better Memphis, asking you to increase the MATA budget. We believe that an additional 20 million is needed. If you haven't noticed, we have an affordability crisis. 70% of Americans believe that life is unaffordable for the average family. Gas prices have increased by 33%. Tariffs have raised the cost of car repairs. The average cost of owning a vehicle in the U.S. is $11,500 annually, almost $1,000 a month. For a full-time worker making $15 an hour, this is 37% of their income just on transportation alone. We know many Memphians are driving cars that are uninsured or not safe or not reliable. We know that many Memphians are struggling with the rising costs. As a public official, it is imperative that you make decisions that address the affordability crisis and help reduce costs for Memphians. One of the best ways that the City Council could address affordability is by expanding access to public transit. More routes running more frequently means that people who are struggling to buy gas and keep their cars running have a reliable way to get to school, to their job, and to the grocery store. Once again, I urge you to consider amending the budget for next year and adding more funding for MATA, 20 million, please. And we have more postcards from voters asking for the increase that I'd like to hand to you now. Thank you so much.

Jessica Miller and then Tierney Mason. Macon.

Good evening, City Council. Contrary to popular opinion, I do have better things that I'd like to be doing with my time every other Tuesday than coming and addressing you all. But once again, I'm here asking what y'all are going to do about the excessive force and police violence used against protesters at the No Kings March on March the 28th. Once again, we've still gotten a cold shoulder. We hadn't heard anything back. My problem with this and what disturbs me is that something that happened in broad daylight right in front of FedEx Forum to a group of mostly white people With a city council member present, if that's the force that MPD uses on the public, what are they doing in Binghamton or North Memphis or Frayser or South Memphis to black and brown community members that are getting pulled over? What are they doing? And if y'all are being kept from doing something about this, if it's a state law, call it out. That's why people don't know who to vote for in these elections because they don't get called out when they keep y'all's power from actually holding people, abusing it accountable. So call it out. If it's a procedure issue that the attorneys are telling y'all about, tell us that. But sitting here and ignoring it and thinking that we're going to stop showing up and y'all are just going to forget about it is not an option. Because we're sick of it. And the city's sick of it. And we need to be able to trust our leaders that they're going to follow up and do something about it. I'm a community organizer. And everybody wants to look at us crazy when people go and stand on the middle of a bridge or won't leave the office or do a sit-in somewhere. But where else can people go to get answers and accountability? If they can't come and get accountability from city council, if the mayor won't sit down and talk to them, if Chief Davis keeps giving the lies that were proven by the body cam footage that were released over and over, where do we go?

Thank you, Tierney Macon and then Kay Darrell Cowan.

Good evening, council members. My name is Tierney Macon, and I'm speaking today because the city of Memphis has the opportunity to make its budget reflect the needs of the community that has been under investments for the last couple of decades. Residents have been clear, and I want to be clear as well. We're here today just to re-emphasize what we need. We need more attainable housing, more ownership opportunities, and more neighborhood investment, and more economic opportunity. And zip codes, especially like 38109, 38116, 38127, and 38128. These are strong communities with deep roots, but too many families are dealing with the impact of disinvestment, limited housing options, and aging infrastructure. and the lack of intentional development. A city budget is a statement of its priorities, and we are asking that if Memphis wants growth, then the growth must include South Memphis, Whitehaven, Westwood, Fraser, Raleigh, and North Memphis. If Memphis says it wants stronger neighborhoods, then we have to put the resources directly into the neighborhoods where families are trying to live, thrive, and build. This is why I'm asking the council to support the proposed budget amendment to allocate an additional $1 million to the Housing and Community Development Department for these targeted housing investment pilot. This pilot will help the city concentrate resources, support... missing middle housing, and expand housing ownership for working families, also while attracting responsible private investment, and create a model that can be expanded all across Memphis and Tennessee. We do not want to keep making promises without the resources. We need investment that is targeted, measurable, and accountable for the people that live in these communities. I urge you to support this amendment and invest in these communities and neighborhoods that are ready for the growth and need your support and deserve to grow without displacement. Thank you.

Thank you. You'll be happy to know that there has been funding allocated to that that was discussed today in the committee meeting.

I can't wait to watch it. I was informed earlier.

All right. K. Darrell Cowan and then Kristen Walter.

Good afternoon, members of the City Council. My name is Kaderrell Cowan, coming from City Council District 9. I just want to thank you all for the work that you do, first of all. And I understand that it is not an easy task to sit in this seat and make decisions for all the citizens of Memphis. But I want to be clear that there are some things that we really need to take some time to address. And there is some transparency that's needed about why the city is in the financial position that it's in. I think when we come to understanding that the city leaders are saying that we're tight on funds, we need to be clear that there was a misuse of opera dollars that led us to a place to where we're responsible for some things that we paid out that we didn't have the money for in the beginning. And we're trying to keep that thing going. There's some other things that are going on that the citizens are not fully aware of, which makes us have choice decisions when it comes to what's going on at this body. I understand the confidentiality clauses have been signed to where certain people can't speak on certain things. But when it comes to the city of Memphis, we're in a very dangerous place. When we're seeing the state take over of our school system, when we're seeing what's going on in other areas, there's an illicit fear that we could be losing control of the city of Memphis. I think that we're in a position to where we could actually see a metro government coming sooner than later because I can see the state having some opposition about the money that has to come to this area. As I get ready to close, the $30 million that was allocated to this work that the governor had in his budget that was pooled, the reason that it was pulled from what i was told is because the city council and county commission is not investing in the work itself the state said it is not the bank for memphis and shelby county if you believe in prevention and intervention it has to start from inside of this body i know that that's a difficult decision to make but we come from communities where we've been robbing peter to pay paul since we was born and these are things that we have to do Your citizens are counting on you, and I know that you all have the gall to be able to do what's necessary. And if anybody's open for discussion, please reach out to me, and I will educate you on the things that's going on where you're not just getting political rhetoric. Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you or a staff member very soon.

Thank you. Thank you. Kristen Walter and then Mrs. Glenda Hicks.

Good evening. That was spectacular. Hi, my name is Kristen Wolter, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you this evening. I'm glad that most of the members are here. Last community meeting I was at where individuals spoke about the No Kings rally, there were maybe four of you still here. I am new to speaking out. I have lived in Memphis for 18 years. I am a local business owner. For the last 15 years, my storefront used to be on Broad Avenue. It has been broken into twice. Won't go into the details of that. I was at the No Kings rally. I was told I wasn't going to get to speak, so now my mind is trying to get back in order. I was at the No Kings rally and videotaped the entire thing. After seeing the body cam footage come out, it was very clear to me that these individuals acted in a way that was not representative of the police officers that came to my business after my business had been broken into twice. I also had police officers come to my business after my business was doxxed. I received hundreds of death threats after speaking out about the election. the last election. These individuals were empathetic, they were kind, they had integrity, they respected me and my staff, and they took account of the threats that were given to me and the instances that happened where my businesses got broken into. My point is, there are good officers on the force. We all know this. I personally have had experience with them. There are individuals, however, that are not, even those that are in high-ranking positions. Those officers that have integrity deserve accountability from those who do not. Thank you so much. You work for us.

Thank you. Ms. Glenda Hicks and then Maurice Tolan.

Good afternoon, Glenda Hicks. Good afternoon. So it dearly concerns me that this body who sits in a seat of service seems to often act without the mindset that you are in a seat of service. I'm concerned the way this meeting played out today with us moving forth and the public not having all of the information The way, and I've addressed this before as a concern, that the way in which this body operates in terms of you all, you have your committee meetings on the day of the meeting. Is that really sufficient time for you all to digest, to research, to dive into the issues that come before you and make decisions? decisions that are truly not subjective, not in your behalf, but truly in behalf of the people that you all have been elected to represent. This is a serious concern. I've been attending meetings for some time and been very observant. So please take note. There are critical issues. This is a pivotal time in the city of Memphis. And we need to be more mindful of who you make decisions in behalf of. How many citizens that each one of you represent and are a voice for. It is a concern. And as far as this XAI situation is concerned, I know that was not on the agenda. I was in the meeting last Thursday. Crucial concern, as I brought before that advisory committee, please, please afford these individuals with the most impact life insurance because we know that their lives are being shortened by the impact of XAI. Thank you so much.

Maurice Tolan, and then Anika Easley.

My name is Maurice Tolan. I live at 1079 Mosby Road. I was at the last meeting and made a request, let them know what what's really bothering me in this city. I'm a taxpayer, been paying taxes here all my life. I was born and raised here. I went to school with your Congressman Ed Ford and his family. And I finally, when I came to that meeting last, the last meeting, I got a response back. and they say they gonna send the engineer out and see can we resolve this problem. But why did it take 10, 15 years? I mean, I've been calling and taking pictures and the city would send peoples out. They'll look at it. Well, ain't nothing we could do about that. But now it's totally different. I know Ed used to tell me a lot of times to come to these meetings and look like that's what it's going to take. So y'all can get used to seeing me because I didn't invest a lot of money in this city. And I'm not asking for much. And hoping we can get this matter resolved as soon as possible. Thank you, City Council.

Thank you so much. Anika Easley and then Amy Roberts.

On attack.

Annika, excuse me, Annika.

Come on.

Can everybody hear me without the microphone? Yes, ma'am. Okay, good evening, everybody.

Good evening.

My question to y'all, to everyone present, is the transportation... Public transportation important to everyone in this room? Then why you guys not put it in the budget? Why do you not put 20 million more dollars into the budget for public transportation like we are all asking? Every one of us, even the Previous speakers have mentioned it. We need more money to get the transportation up and running like it was prior before, before the pandemic. We need more routes, we need more buses, yes. And we need the affordability. It costs a lot of money to Get to and from places. Even if you have a personal car, you have to keep up maintenance on your personal car. And it's expensive because of gas prices going up. Everything's going up. Why not help the transportation? Put more money in the transportation as one of y'all's budgets. Thank you.

Amy Roberts and then Frank Weiss.

Good evening. Hello. About two weeks ago, the Scripps National Spelling Bee was held. I was never very good at spelling bees. I don't know about y'all. but they don't actually hold spelling bees in languages other than English for the most part. And that is because English is so hard to spell and read. Here are some phonics cards that I've been using with my children. These are all different ways that the sound A can be represented in English writing.

A. A.

A. A.

A.

English is one of the hardest languages to spell and read. Please give kids in Memphis a strong early start by funding pre-K programs.

Thank you. Frank Weiss and then Jamiah Irby.

Hey, my name is Trey Wise. I'm a public educator and parent of two pre-K children. First of all, I want to thank the council and the mayor's office for the support of the pre-K for all joint ordinance that recognizes the importance of pre-K education and helping to release funds to stabilize that pre-K investment. I urge you to support this resolution to restore the full funding in fiscal year 27 for pre-K for all. As a high school English teacher, I have seen firsthand the importance of equitable access to quality pre-K education. And now as a parent, it's become even more clear to me that every single dollar spent on expanding access to quality pre-K education has a significant ripple effect, both for outcomes for those students and for parents like myself. who are able, as a result of that, to enter the workforce and help contribute towards a more equitable Memphis. So I commend you for your commitments you've made to Pre-K for All and ask you to make good on your promise. Thank you.

All right. And please know that this council is supporting the Pre-K for All program. Jemiah Irby. After Jemiah Irby, Robin England.

Good evening, council members. My name is Jamiah Irby, and I am here today in support of targeted housing investment in communities like Whitehaven, Westwood, Fraser, Raleigh, and North Memphis. For too long, communities like 38116 have been talked about as a place with potential, but we have not always seen the level of public investment needed to turn their potential into real opportunity. For the people who already live here, Whitehaven has strong families, long-term homeowners, churches, small businesses, schools, and vacant land that could be transformed. But without intentional investment, we risk watching development happen around residents instead of with residents. Housing is not just about buildings. It is about stability. It is about where the working families can afford to stay in their neighborhood. It is about where the young adults can come back home and buy their first house. It is about where the seniors can remain in the community they helped build. That is why I am asking Memphis City Council to allocate an additional one million to the Housing and Community Development Department to create a targeted housing investment pilot focused on zip codes 38109, 38116, 38127, and 38128. This investment can help increase housing production, expand attainable housing options, support home ownership, and encourage responsible development while protecting community stability. We are not asking for charity. We are asking for strategy. We are asking the city to invest into the neighborhoods that have already invested generations of people, labor, culture, and tax dollars into Memphis. Be with us and not around us. Thank you. Thank you.

Please know that you've been heard and funding has been allocated for housing. Michael Foster and then Leona Venezia.

Mr. Foster? How you doing? My name is Michael Foster. I live in Westwood, but I'm here today because I've seen a lot of sanitation workers get sick by riding in the back of the truck. I've been asking a lot of people that something to do comes about, heads of pain. These people are out here riding back here collecting y'all trash. Some of this trash got a lot of chemicals in it. Some of them have acid. As you know, a couple years back, a guy got acid on him from the back of the garbage. So I'm asking all the city councilmen, think about all your city workers that are out here working. You got some departments are getting hazard pay, but the most important workers are the sanitation workers. We are back there picking up trash, and they don't hardly give us gloves. We have to buy our own gloves. And my problem is, why is we buying our own gloves, our own face masks, when the city's supposed to be the one to provide it? It's hard for people to work out there and they're about to pass out because there's no air in the truck. So I'm asking the head of city council for y'all to move forward to add more money for the sanitation workers because it's getting extremely hot out there. And some of them, we don't even get Gatorade, we get water bottles. And if you drink too much water, you can get sick. We need something like Gatorade to put the extra light in our system to keep us moving. But too much water bottles, people fall out in the hot sun. And all I ask for y'all is to think about what's going to happen this summer. Because people, we need help. We're not getting what we're supposed to be getting. Other departments, I know they get Gatorade. Some of them get their own personal kudos. But as sanitation workers, we don't get anything but water bottles. So I thank y'all.

Thank you for bringing that to our attention. Did you write all that down? That's awful. I skipped one. Let's go to Rob in England.

Hi, my name is Robin England. The last time I was in one of these meetings, I saw several council members walk out before comments were even finished. So I do want to ask and know what was so important that you couldn't sit here and listen to us finish our comments. Mayor Paul Young was also expected to be here to answer tough questions. Instead, he left, and it's becoming an exhausting pattern. The mayor's highly visible at events where he can control the narrative, yet he's entirely absent when real accountability is demanded. He can appear via video at a NAACP meeting to speak passionately about protecting our rights and representation, but when his own constituents try to look him in the eye and ask direct questions, his chair is empty. Let me be perfectly clear. The people of Memphis do not want XAI, Brent Taylor, or Andy Ogles dictating the future of this city. Yet, Memphis continues to roll out the red carpet and make extraordinary accommodations for a company led by a billionaire well-documented with a history of misleading claims and broken promises. We're not the first city to face this. There are communities, Corpus Christi, Salt Lake City, Utah, that have sounded the alarm on massive environmental toll of large-scale data centers, specifically regarding unsustainable water consumption and air quality degradation that we are already dealing with now. We're constantly being fed the narrative that these projects bring massive economic windfalls, profit, but the reality is that Memphis residents are being forced to bear all the environmental risk while receiving exactly zero guarantee in return. What concrete answers has this city received from XAI regarding the compliance with regulations governing our non-renewable resources? And what specific accountabilities are in place, not if, but when those commitments are broken? We see the same lack of vision regarding the Memphis Safe Task Force. May I finish or no? Okay.

Thank you so much.

Just for Jerry Green, I know you're running for governor. We need you on these streets. We need you to hold a hard line for us, for our safety. Thank you.

And I'm sure she's going to do it, aren't you, Councilwoman Green? Leona Venezia and then Lily Blanton.

Good evening. My name is Liana Venezia, and I am here to ask for an update on the investigation into the police violence at No Kings 3 on March 28th. First, I want to acknowledge the progress that has been made. We appreciate the footage that has been released so far, and we appreciate that the charges against demonstrators arising from that incident have been dropped. However, significant questions remain unanswered. We are still waiting for the release of the remaining footage and all related records. The public deserves a complete accounting of what happened, and we deserve to know that city leadership is committed to providing that information. We also need assurance that meaningful steps are being taken to prevent this police violence from happening again. True accountability would mean ensuring that future demonstrations can take place without similar violations of people's rights. This matters because unless we see accountability in this instance, it is difficult for Memphians to have confidence that our First Amendment rights will be protected when we choose to speak out, organize, and protest. Transparency and accountability are how trust is built. At a time when our city faces growing pressure from state and federal powers, Memphis needs to know that local leadership stands with its residents. We need to know that our city government will defend the rights of Memphians and uphold the values it claims to support. Please note, Memphis wants more money for public transit, not more money for MPD. Thank you.

Thank you. Lily Blanton and then Bob Green.

Hi, City Council. Thanks so much for taking the time to be here today. And as my comrade said, staying for the comment period. I appreciate that. I'm here to echo what has just been said about the No Kings rally on March 28th. I traditionally do not speak out. My primary role is I am a legal observer. I do not participate in the action. I am a objective observer to protect people's civil rights, and I was maced. I was maced, okay? And that is not okay. Y'all have seen the video, and the body cam footage that has been released is insufficient. I am also an attorney. I am a civil rights attorney, okay? I've been practicing in federal court for years, and this is not okay. We learn about this stuff in law school. We learn about it, and it's supposed to be gone, okay? And here in Memphis, it is... Tough. When I am there, I am showing up. The other members of the safety team, the marshals in the vests, show up to protect protesters. We do not participate. We do not hold signs. We do not chant. We do not sing. And we are there to protect Memphians so they can exercise their First Amendment rights. I give up my First Amendment rights so these Memphians can exercise theirs and I get hit with chemical weapons. I need y'all. I need y'all. Memphis needs y'all to release the rest of the footage. Put pressure on MPD. Put pressure on Mulroy to release the rest of the footage. I need to see the rest of it because what was released of Pepper Sprayer in chief, so that was important, but the footage that was released does not show the whole picture. So thank y'all for your time. I appreciate it.

Thank you so much for bringing that to our attention. Bob Green and then Rhiannon Watson. Oh, okay. Rhiannon Watson, after Rhiannon, is Bob Notto. The principle of Libertas.

Good afternoon. My name is Rhiannon Watson, and I'm the advocacy coordinator for Protect Our Aquifer. First, I want to thank this council and particularly Councilwoman White, excuse me, for helping to secure the reversion clause tied to the water reuse facility. That provision remains one of the most important tools we have to ensure commitments made to Memphis are ultimately fulfilled. That said, there's many questions that we still have that the community still has. Residents were told that a water reuse facility would be built to reduce reliance on our aquifer. Today, that facility remains unfinished, and the public has received very little information about why or when construction will resume. Meanwhile, available MLGW water use data shows that Colossus facilities are getting closer and closer to a million gallons a day. We're currently over 800,000 gallons of water a day. That number has increased significantly over the past year, while the reuse facility remains incomplete. Residents deserve clear updates on the status of the facility, timeline for completion, and information about how the company plans to reduce its reliance on our aquifer. We're also seeking clarity regarding the property acquisition associated with the reuse facility. Has the property officially closed? If not, what steps remain before construction can move forward? As someone who regularly speaks with residents about these issues, I can tell you that people are paying attention. People want to stay engaged and they want to know what's happening. The community has done its part by staying informed and showing up. We're asking for the same level of transparency from XAI and from city leadership. For that reason, Protect Our Aquifer would like to request an opportunity to present a formal update to the council in your next committee meeting. regarding the construction process, current water use, community needs, plans for reducing long-term reliance on the aquifer through water reuse. Our aquifer is one of the greatest and most precious assets that we have in this city, and the community has invested a tremendous amount of time and energy into protecting it. And we believe that the investment deserves, excuse me, investment deserves to be continued with transparency and accountability.

Thank you for your comments. And that will be on the next agenda for the committee meeting. It was supposed to be scheduled today, but we ran out of time. So that will definitely be addressed on the next meeting. Now we have one of the best principals in the city of Memphis, the number one charter school in the state of Tennessee. Mr. Bob Nardo, thank you so much for coming down.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for that warm welcome. It's good to see many of you again. Thank you for your support over the last 11 years with your generous sponsorship of early childhood education. We have seen an inspiring transformation in North Memphis. In my home of Frayser, my adopted home, we took over a school 11 years ago that was in the bottom 1% of the whole state of Tennessee. Today, For two years in a row, it is one of the top performing, not just charter schools, top 15% of all schools in the state of Tennessee for academic growth and achievement. And you know why it's happening? Because you made the smartest long-term investment for the future of the workforce in Memphis, which is early childhood education. The young children in our school, you heard Ms. Roberts talk about phonics. The children who complete our pre-K program with your financial support, are performing in the top half of the entire country for reading. Through your early childhood investment, you've turned Frayser into a national exemplar of early learning. And that's why I want to ask you to support Councilwoman Easter-Thomas' resolution supported by Commissioner Green and JSW and Cooper Sutton to amend the budget to increase the pre-K funding so that we can see more and better early learning like this. We'll see even more of these bright spots across Memphis thanks to your investment. I appreciate you.

And thank you for all that you're doing for the greater Memphis community. And Pre-K does have our support, Dr. Washington. Candace Washington, I'm looking at you. All right, we'll have Sharice Clark and then Hattie Lattner.

Well, good evening. I'm Dr. Sharice Clark, and I lead a preschool program in Fraser-Sucasa Preschool. So I also wanted to thank you all for your continued support of pre-K. I don't have to come and convince you of how much pre-K needs your support, of how many all these littles need you, so that in 20 years we're still doing well and Memphis is growing and improving. But one thing I did want to bring to your attention as you look at the budget and go forward is, I'll talk to you about it through crayons. We all know crayons. When you give a kid a crayon, what happens? Honestly, nine times out of ten, they eat it. Like, I work with little kids. They eat the crayons. Or they break them. them it's not good they have to learn how to use those crayons which means they need teachers to teach them how to use the crayons but you're not born as a teacher knowing how to teach someone how to use a crayon you need someone to teach you how to do that and then you need someone to watch and see if you're doing well at teaching and someone to evaluate whether or not that is growing and learning so it's it's more than just providing the crayons That's the piece that people want to do and are happy to do. And people like you all have recognized also that we need the teachers to help with that. But it's even bigger than that. And there's another layer. And First Aid has been so great at providing that next layer, which is those coaches to come in and help the teachers do better at this so we see the return on the investment. And the coaches to teach the coaches to do that. So we need their support as well. So as you're thinking through the budget, think about that administrative piece that sometimes seems so unnecessary to the little kids. It's so important. We need that. So please, as you look forward into this budget, but also going forward, the price of eggs is changing every day, gas, we know. It keeps going up. So please, please continue the support that you've always given us.

Thank you. Thank you. And please note, we are first eight fans. Hattie Ladner and then Jill Torres. Hattie, that's my mother's name.

Beautiful name. Good morning. My name is Hattie Lattner and my son Kestrel goes to Sukasa preschool. I'm here as a mother, but also a teacher of first grade for six years in Memphis, Memphis, Shelby County schools. I'm a certified reading specialist. I've worked as a literacy coach for the last two years. And I thank you for your support of pre-K. And I just encourage that you continue to fund it. I had, as a first grade teacher, students who came to my classroom who did not know their alphabet, could not write their name, and did not have the social skills that they needed to interact with their peers. But I also had students come to my classroom who had gone to pre-K. And they had a much more they had the opportunity to learn those foundational things before they got to me. And so we could start right away on reading and more advanced tasks with those kids. So I encourage you that funding for pre-K, funding for good education, for educating educators is not just a good idea or just important, but it's actually life-changing for our students here in Memphis and for our future.

Thank you for coming. I think the baby wanted to say something. Did you want to say something? He's been talking all day.

We're going to get him a comment card in a second. Yeah. Thank you so much, council members, for letting us have some time today to speak to you about Pre-K for All. It sounds like there's a lot of love in the room for such a program, and that means a lot to me as a parent and educator, and not just a parent of a few Memphis students, but particularly ones that go to Libertas School of Memphis, such as my daughter. My name is Jill Torres. Again, I'm a Memphis teacher, administrator, and most importantly today, I'm a parent. About a year and a half ago, I stood in front of this body and I asked you to help fund Pre-K for All, and you did. And I wanted to tell you what that meant to my family. It meant that my daughter got to go to a school and create a strong start, learning those phonics, learning some sight words, learning about numeracy, as well as fractions as a preschooler, and what that would then mean for her as she continues her time here in Memphis into her education and then also her career. It also meant that my husband could finish TCAT. and continue his career. It also meant that I could continue as a Memphis educator and administrator and continue to serve the students of Memphis. One vote changed the trajectory of my family and thousands of others. And I wanna thank you again. Now we're kind of in this little limbo where my son who's about to come up through the program and hopefully be able to be part of Pre-K for All is kind of wrestling with this, will the budget continue to grow with him? And so he's too, and I really have a lot of hope for this body that we continue to make that financial effort as well as promise to him as well as others that are coming up through the program. Council Member Easter Thomas' resolution to restore $1.5 million in projected funding that has been lost in the budget line, it really isn't just a budget line problem. It's an ability to make an effort to invest in our city and our future.

I would know that it has not been lost. Thank you. Councilwoman Issa Thomas, I know you're excited to have Libertas in your district. He's not in four. He might have a school in District 4. You going to open up a second location? We're getting more in District 4. All right, we're going to have Bridget Grubb, and then we're going to end with Karen Spencer-McGee.

Good evening, everyone. Thank you so much for having us. Thank you for coming. I am Bridget Grubb. I'm a second grade educator at Treadwell Elementary School. I am the biggest proponent of pre-K for all because firsthand, it affects my job. And as Memphians, we want people to want to teach here. and love to teach here. So to paint a little picture, if a student does not have pre-K coming into kindergarten, that teacher is focusing on those kindergarten standards. So that is of the utmost importance. They're, of course, spending time and working so hard to catch those students up that didn't get that strong foundation. Well, this continues to spiral because as a second grade teacher, I'm focusing on those second grade standards. But if that student that did not go to pre-K is still working on those kindergarten skills, and in first grade, they're working on those kindergarten skills, and then in second grade, they're still working on those first grade skills, it's this snowball effect. So the faster we can get to the root of the problem, starting with pre-K, we set our students up for success. Additionally, we give them the confidence to love school. The students that can be good at school and feel well prepared and can show up, they generally love learning. But if they feel behind, they feel insecure. I know when I don't know something, I feel very insecure. I should shy away from things. I don't want to have to answer questions. And so not only do we want literacy for them and all the strong foundational skills, but we just want to be able to give them this confidence no matter what in life. I hope you love being a confident person as city council people you are. And I hope we can also give them that gift. Thank you.

Thank you. We normally end our meeting with Mr. Joe Kent. He's not here today. We're sending prayers his way. Today we're ending our meeting with Ms. Karen Spencer-McGee. Welcome, Ms. McGee.

Thank you all for having me. Of course, my name is Karen Spencer McGee. I live in Two Round, Three Down.

All right now.

Yeah, representing. So I would like to open up right now with a libation. Mother King, yes, Mother King, Minister Yahweh, Ashe... Donna Bohannon, O'Shea, all the ancestors, including my grandfather, that was one of the first 1300 strikers here in Memphis. A lot of people say that I'm practicing witchcraft when I called out. the names of my ancestors. The last time I was here with TAP, Tigers Against Must, I woke up the next morning with a mimic saying that someone could not hear because that Karen was sashaying around like a drag queen. Okay, happy pride, y'all. Happy Juneteenth and happy pride. Yeah, that's who I am. They tell you that you cannot come in unless you have signs. I am a Freemason. I don't submit to white supremacists or their laws. I do what the spirit tells me to do. I've been home 22 years. I came down here to speak about education. Zoe was being nursed when I first came here. She's now 23 years old, and she has four degrees. I don't play about education. My daughter that's meeting me that has a disability, MPD picked her up and for 10 days, I didn't know where my baby was. The reason the mayor left is because I showed him the video of her back and what they turned off the body cams and was saying, but you see these right here, they've got a camera in it. Because I was put on a bolo list, be on the lookout. And per the 1978 consent decree, that is illegal. This is also the 10th year when we shut down the bridge. Don't make me do it again. That is my daughter. She has a disability. The way the cops did her. I have a fictitious warrant out on me. Come and lock me up. Come and lock me up. Because when I get out, I'm going to be a problem. Thank you so much for coming now. MPD needs an enema because they're full of SHIT.

All right. That concludes our meeting.